Jax Face-Off Against Buffalo

Published on December 28, 2006 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, Dec. 28, 2006 - The Portland LumberJax are just two days away from their home opener against the Buffalo Bandits on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006 at 7 p.m. With the tension building for the Jax home opener, both fans and players are excited for the match-up between the regular season Western Division Champion LumberJax and the Eastern Division Title holder Buffalo Bandits.

"The biggest thing for us about this upcoming game is that they kicked our butt last year, and now we have revenge on our mind," said Head Coach and General Manager Derek Keenan. "I really don't believe that we showed up against them last year. This is payback time."

Remembering last season's discomforting loss to the Bandits in Buffalo at the HSBC Arena, the Jax have been looking for an opportunity to avenge the 16-6 loss that took place on the night of Feb. 10. Dallas Eliuk's 40 saves for the evening and a Ted Dowling hat trick were not enough to give the Jax the boost they needed. Game MVP for the Bandits, John Tavares, led his team with two goals and seven assists during the competition. The Bandits' defense kept the Jax scoreless in the third quarter and their offense took over in the fourth, scoring six of their 16 total goals.

The two teams have share more history than that first meeting last February. Players such as Mike Hominuck, Ray Guze, Ryan Powell and even coach Keenan have competed for Buffalo in the past. Some heated words have recently been exchanged between Keenan and Bandits Head Coach Darris Kilgore regarding the Dec. 30 match up in Portland, which has further built up the tension between the two franchises.

During the LumberJax inaugural season the team sported their black jerseys at home and their white kits on the road; however, the Jax will be wearing their white jerseys for all home games in the Rose Garden this season. The change to "Regulation XII C: Team Colors" came about earlier this year when the National Lacrosse League Board of Governors decided upon the modification for the 2007 season. According to the Board of Governors' document, "Light jerseys shall be worn at all home games and the darker jerseys be worn on the road."

The outcome between the two teams will be determined on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006 at 7 p.m. in the Rose Garden. Individual tickets for all LumberJax games are on sale now starting at $10 with applicable fees; including the Jax home opener on Dec. 30 against the Buffalo Bandits at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Jax Ticketing Office at 503.797.9739 or at www.PortlandJax.com. Who Wants More?

Season Tickets for the LumberJax start as low as $90. Packages include the eight regular season home games and the 2007 NLL All-Star Game. Also, it's never too early to plan ahead for friends and family or company outings. Receive discounts when you bring a group of fifteen or more. Tickets for the National Lacrosse League (NLL) 2007 All-Star Game are also now on sale. The game will be played on March 10, 2007 at the Rose Garden, home of the Portland LumberJax. Tickets can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box office, all participating Safeway locations, RoseQuarter.com, or by calling 1.877.789.ROSE (7673).

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National Lacrosse League Stories from December 28, 2006


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